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- High-protein pasta options: Choose whole grain penne for more fiber and protein. - Roasted red peppers: Use jarred ones for ease, or roast your own for flavor. - Creamy base: Cottage cheese adds protein, while Greek yogurt gives a tangy touch. - Nutritional yeast: This adds a cheesy taste without using dairy. - Olive oil: A splash boosts richness and flavor in the sauce. - Garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper: These spices enhance the dish's overall taste. - Fresh basil leaves: They provide a fresh, herbal note on top. - Crushed red pepper flakes: These add a spicy kick if you like heat. This recipe blends nutrition and taste perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the details. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Next, add 12 oz of whole grain penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This water will help you adjust the sauce later. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine 2 large roasted red peppers, 1 cup of cottage cheese, and 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want the sauce to be thick but spreadable, so check the texture as you blend. Next, heat the sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you find the sauce too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Once the sauce is hot, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce to coat it evenly. You want every piece of pasta to be covered in that delicious sauce. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! You can use homemade or jarred roasted red peppers. Homemade peppers taste fresh and bright. Jarred peppers save time and still deliver great flavor. Choose based on your schedule and taste preference. Balancing seasonings is key. Start with salt and pepper. Then, add smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Always taste as you go. Adjust as needed to make the dish pop. To adjust sauce thickness, save some pasta water. After draining the pasta, add a little water to the sauce. Stir it in until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you want to try other creamy bases, use Greek yogurt or vegan cream cheese. Both will make your dish rich and delicious. For side dishes, I love a simple green salad. It adds crunch and freshness. Garlic bread also pairs well with the pasta. When it comes to wine, a light red like Pinot Noir works great. If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay. Both will enhance the meal's flavors. For the Full Recipe, just click here and enjoy! {{image_2}} Enhancing this dish with protein makes it even more satisfying. You can easily add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta. Simply grill the meat until cooked and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Toss it in with the pasta and sauce just before serving. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or chickpeas. Cook the tofu until golden and crispy, or use canned chickpeas for a quick boost. Both options add great texture and nutrition. If you want a vegan version, there are simple swaps. You can use vegan cream cheese or plant-based yogurt in place of cottage cheese. These alternatives keep the creamy texture and rich flavor. Additionally, for a cheesy taste, consider using whole food substitutes for nutritional yeast. Blended cashews or sunflower seeds can work well to give that creamy, cheesy vibe without dairy. Pasta shapes can change the whole feel of this dish. You can explore various options like gluten-free penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds sauce differently, which can enhance your meal. Remember, cooking times will vary based on the pasta type you choose. Check the package for guidance to ensure your pasta is cooked just right. To keep your pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Place the creamy sauce in a separate container. This keeps the sauce smooth and avoids soggy pasta. You can reheat your pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for one minute, stir, then heat for another minute. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to the pasta in a skillet. Heat on low and stir until warm. To keep the creaminess, add a bit of reserved pasta water if it gets too thick. Yes, you can freeze high protein creamy roasted red pepper pasta. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If frozen, it may need extra time to heat through. To make this dish, follow these simple steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. 2. Blend the Sauce: Mix roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth. 3. Heat the Sauce: Warm the sauce in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if needed. 4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet until well coated. 5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if you like. For more details, check the Full Recipe. When looking for high-protein pasta, consider these options: - Whole Grain Penne: This pasta offers more fiber and protein than regular pasta. - Chickpea Pasta: Made from chickpeas, it's rich in protein and gluten-free. - Lentil Pasta: Packed with protein and fiber, lentil pasta adds a nice texture. - Quinoa Pasta: This is another gluten-free choice with a good protein boost. These pasta types help you enjoy your meal while meeting your protein needs. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! Here’s how: - Meal Prep: Cook the pasta and sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. - Freezing Tips: You can freeze the sauce. Just let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. - Reheating: Warm the pasta and sauce together on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to keep it creamy. This recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners! This blog post covered how to make high-protein creamy roasted red pepper pasta. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and flavor tips. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste and needs. From protein additions to storage tips, you can enjoy this dish flexibly. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding. Follow these steps, and you'll impress anyone at your table with a delicious meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this pasta your own!

High Protein Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Discover your new favorite dish with this high protein creamy roasted red pepper pasta! This delicious and nutritious recipe is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal. With a blend of roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, and whole grain penne, it's packed with flavor and protein. Get ready to impress your family and friends! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz whole grain penne pasta

2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)

1 cup cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt for an alternative)

1/2 cup nutritional yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Blend the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

      Heat the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the blended red pepper sauce. Let it warm up for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, ensuring every piece is well covered.

          Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

            Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4